Capy Construction
What are the requirements to build ADU in Paramount?
Building an ADU in Paramount presents an excellent opportunity to expand your living area and enhance property value and potential sale value. To ensure the success of your ADU project, understanding the city's regulations and evaluating the financial feasibility of building in Paramount is essential. This comprehensive guide outlines Paramount's ADU regulations and critical financial considerations, assisting you in effectively planning and executing your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Paramount?
In Paramount, a property with an existing or proposed single-family home can have only one ADU, which can be either attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Paramount?
Attached ADUs can be up to 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms, or 850 square feet for one-bedroom or smaller units, or 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, whichever is less. If the primary residence is under 1,600 square feet, the attached ADU can have a total floor area of up to 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Paramount?
For detached ADUs with two or more bedrooms, the maximum size is 1,000 square feet. For one-bedroom or smaller detached ADUs, the maximum size is 850 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Paramount?
Yes, you can construct a two-story ADU in Paramount.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in Paramount is equivalent to the floor area of an efficiency unit, which is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in Paramount, and you're allowed to expand the converted ADU within an existing structure by up to 150 square feet for ingress and egress purposes.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
Attached ADUs: These can be up to two stories tall, with a maximum height of 25 feet, or the height limit set by the underlying zoning, whichever is lower.
Detached ADUs within ½ mile walking distance of transit: These are allowed up to 18 feet in height, with an additional two feet allowance to accommodate a roof pitch aligned with the primary dwelling's roof pitch. However, currently, Paramount does not have qualifying transit services.
Those not covered by the exemptions above maintain the existing height allowance of 16 feet, which may generally not be sufficient for two-story ADUs.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Paramount allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can have up to two detached ADUs. Additionally, one or more converted ADUs can be constructed within non-livable areas of existing multifamily structures, up to 25% of the existing units.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Paramount?
Attached ADUs in multifamily buildings can reach a maximum size of 1,000 square feet for units with two or more bedrooms, or 850 square feet for one-bedroom or smaller units. They can also occupy up to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, whichever is less. If the primary residence measures less than 1,600 square feet, the attached ADU can be up to 800 square feet in total floor area.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Paramount?
Detached ADUs in multifamily buildings can be up to 1,000 square feet for units with two or more bedrooms. For one-bedroom or smaller detached ADUs, the maximum size allowed is 850 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, you cannot stack detached ADUs on top of each other in Paramount. While regulations allow for adding an ADU above a garage up to 25 feet in total height, and state law already permits converting livable space on the second floor of a residence into an ADU, two-story attached ADUs are allowed, but stacking one detached ADU on top of another is not allowed.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs is not allowed. However, attaching a covered patio or garage to an ADU is acceptable because they're categorized as living spaces and don't contribute to the size limitations for interior living areas within ADUs.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in multifamily buildings in Paramount. Moreover, you're allowed to expand the converted ADU within an existing structure by up to 150 square feet for ingress and egress purposes.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
Attached ADUs: These can reach up to two stories tall, with a height limit of 25 feet or the maximum allowed by the zoning regulations, whichever is lower.
Detached ADUs within ½ mile of transit: These can be up to 18 feet tall, with an additional two feet allowed for accommodating a roof pitch aligned with the primary dwelling's roof pitch. However, as of now, there are no qualifying transit services in Paramount.
Properties with existing or proposed multifamily, multi-story buildings: An ADU on such properties can have a maximum height allowance of 18 feet, applicable to all lots allowing multifamily residential use, regardless of transit proximity.
Just like in single-family, those not falling under the exemptions maintain a maximum height allowance of 16 feet, which might not typically accommodate two-story ADUs.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Paramount?
In Paramount, homeowners have different options for adding an ADU to their property:
1. Detached ADU: A standalone structure not connected to the main house.
2. Attached ADU: A unit that is either attached to or incorporated into the existing home.
3. Converted ADU: Converting existing spaces, such as garages or sheds, into livable areas with essential features like kitchens and bathrooms.
You can either construct a new ADU or alter an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds may provide benefits, such as bypassing certain zoning rules like setbacks or height restrictions, and it could allow for smaller expansions. However, updating older structures might reveal unforeseen challenges, potentially raising costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Paramount?
Detached ADUs require rear and side setbacks of at least 4 feet. The attached ADUs should follow the setback regulations of their specific zoning area.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU needs to be at least 6 feet away from any existing structures on the same lot.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No additional setbacks are needed in Paramount when converting an existing detached or attached garage into an ADU.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Paramount?
Yes, you can build an ADU in the front yard of your house. The ADU should be set back at least 4 feet from the front and side property lines unless it's necessary to place the ADU in the front setback area to fit an 800-square-foot unit on the property.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Paramount, ADUs can have at least one bedroom, making them distinct from studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU requires an efficiency kitchen, which includes a cooking facility with appliances, a food preparation counter suitable for the unit's size, and adequate food storage cabinets.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, converted ADUs in Paramount do not need a new or independent utility connection directly between the unit and the utility. Additionally, no connection fee or capacity charge is necessary unless the ADU is constructed with a new single-family home.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height required according to the California Building Code for livable areas in Paramount, including ADUs, is at least 7 feet.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Paramount?
ADUs should provide one parking space for new construction. However, no parking is needed if the property is within a ½ mile walking distance from a public transit stop or for ADU conversions.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
In Paramount, parking space locations are not explicitly stated. However, in many Los Angeles County cities, ADU parking can usually be in setback areas or through tandem arrangements, depending on site conditions or safety needs. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is removed or converted for an ADU, there's no need to replace off-street parking for the primary unit.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Paramount?
In Paramount, the process of getting an ADU permit typically takes between 3.5 to 4 months. It’s a good idea to speak with a city planner before submitting your plans to make sure everything is correct.
Once you’ve submitted your plans and paid the required fees, the city has 60 days to review and confirm that your application is complete. If no response is given within that period, your permit is automatically approved. If there are any problems, you will need to make revisions and resubmit your plans. Missing details won’t result in denial but will need to be addressed. The fee for the Plan Check is approximately $3,260.
Does Paramount require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Paramount doesn't require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. You can opt for online submittals for all permit applications, and if needed, plans can also be submitted in person at the Planning and Building and Safety counter.
Does Paramount require coastal development permits?
No, Paramount does not require coastal development permits within its jurisdiction.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Paramount?
You need a licensed professional, such as an architect or design team, to create a full set of professionally drawn site and floor plans for approval of ADUs in Paramount.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Paramount?
Building an ADU in Paramount typically averages about $380 per square foot. You'll need to budget for permits, architectural design, and engineering services alongside construction expenses. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is approximately $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Paramount?
Determining the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Paramount involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market conditions. A 900-square-foot ADU in Paramount is estimated to have a market value of around $450,000. Construction expenses at approximately $390,000 result in an estimated return on investment of 15%.
Profitability can also be assessed by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members residing on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Paramount?
AB 1033 allows municipalities in California to establish guidelines for the sale of ADUs as condominiums alongside primary residences, as long as they adhere to existing ADU laws.
In Paramount, local regulations govern the sale of ADUs. An ADU is eligible for sale if constructed by an accredited nonprofit organization. Additionally, sales are allowed if a tenancy in common agreement is in place or if the city approves the separate sale of the ADU and the main house as distinct condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Paramount?
No, ADUs in Paramount are not subject to rent control regulations. Unlike buildings at least 15 years old, which are typically subject to rent control, ADUs are exempt from laws like AB 1482 as they are newly constructed units.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Paramount?
Residents in Paramount seeking funding to build an ADU have several options. While the CalHFA ADU grant, which covered soft costs like permitting, has been fully allocated as of May 2023, individual jurisdictions, including Paramount, may offer financing programs such as low-interest loans or fee waivers. Paramount could explore designing a financing product tailored to residents' needs. Additionally, residents can evaluate the current ADU market, including rental rates and potential income, to inform their decision.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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